John Brennan's bombshell could explode on him

When the news hit our newsroom yesterday that MetroHealth Medical Center's new CEO was ending before he could begin, it caused a lot of us to scratch our heads.Not only had Dr. John Brennan accepted the job, he already had been in for a meeting with our editorial board.I am sorry for the folks at MetroHealth who went through what I'm sure was an arduous task of seeking candidates, sifting through the applicants, trimming the list to interviewees, and then settling on a contract for the new CEO.Then, just like that, Dr. Brennan lays a bombshell on MetroHealth by saying, "Oops!"I know. He probably didn't say that, but what on earth was he thinking by going through that entire process, taking the job, and then withdrawing, only to stay at the hospital where he already was working?His reason, according to MetroHealth, was driven by a combination of family issues and the opportunity to play a bigger role in the system that operates his existing hospital in New Jersey.To that I can only say one thing: I really hope he likes it where he is because I doubt any other American hospital would seriously consider him for their top job after this debacle.Having been involved as a Kent State University trustee in its search process for a president, I know how much time goes into it, and how many steps the institution and the chosen candidate must take.And then to have it end like this?Wow.

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